Processing Manager

Chifeng Gold’s Lane Xang Minerals Limited (LXML) operates the Sepon Gold and Copper Operation, located in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. Since operations commenced in 2003, LXML Sepon has produced over one million tonnes of copper cathode and over 1.2 million ounces of gold doré. In 2020, Sepon produced over 39,730 tonnes of copper and 64,809 ounces of gold doré. Sepon is projected to produce over 250,000 ounces of gold doré in 2021.

LXML is now positioning itself for future growth.  With the transtion from a copper-focused operation to a gold-focused operation completed in 2020 and with a number of other feasibility studies, a ramp up in exploration and with merging and acquisition activity underway, the future for LXML and the Sepon operation is unlimited in potential and opportunity.

In support of this growth, we are looking for a Processing Manager to join our leadership team to deliver on our growth plans and be a part of this exciting future.  

Reporting directly to the Vice General Manager – Operations, the successful incumbent will provide strong leadership and direction to the combined LXML process operations group to safely deliver on all Sepon operational processing and financial business plans.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage the combined processing operations group representing Gold and Copper, Process Engineering and Laboratory teams to ensure optimal production of gold and copper products. 
• Ensure the site processing plants are operated in a manner which minimises unplanned events and maintains/enhances our reputation with all stakeholders through:
  • Delivery of agreed productions outcomes
  • Reliability and continuous improvement interventions to improve process operations performance
  • Embed processing excellence programs
  • Continually improve the metallurgical efficiency and production rates of the processing facilities
  • Manage tailings storage facilities to ensure compliance with licence and regulatory conditions

• Monitor and review the department planning and budgeting process that supports the operation needs through: 
  • Monitoring of labour, operating and capital costs, and initiate corrective actions to ensure compliance with agreed budget expenditure
  • Deliver associated processing projects within time, within budget, and to specification
  • Consolidate all processing works that align with overall Sepon plan
• Develop, implement and maintain processing improvement strategies, initiatives and solutions across the processing plant by identifying hotspots and opportunities.
• Build professional capabilities within Processing department with a particular emphasis on identifying, retaining and developing high potential local employees.
• Actively engage with respective Operations, Technical and Leadership Teams to leverage systems and processes to enhance performance at Sepon and provide site context in system design.
• Ensure compliance with LXML’s management systems and all statutory and legal standards.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemical or Minerals Processing engineering or equivalent is essential.
• A minimum 15 years’ experience in minerals processing with significant time spent in a complex hydrometallurgical pyrometallurgical environments
• At least 5 years in a similar level role with direct accountability for multi-processing facilities
• Extensive knowledge of Processing unit operations and metallurgical activities.
• Exposure to formal continuous improvement methodologies as well as Post graduate qualifications in Business Administration will be highly regarded
• Strong business acumen with highly developed communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to improve a department's safety awareness.
• Demonstrated experience in leading change and delivering improvement across all areas of processing operations.
• Expatriate experience with a proven ability to develop National work teams through direct coaching and development.
• Significant demonstrated leadership which supports a high performance culture.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels.

This expatriate assignment is a 2 year contract residentially based in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on a 5/2 4/3 roster to site.  Alternatively, a longer FIFO roster from your home country can be agreed for the right candidate. A very attractive expatriate package is on offer, commensurate with your experience and the competitive market rates.  For residential assignments, additional benefits, including full relocation, housing, dependent education, and medical insurance coverage is provided.

To join the next generations' global mining company, please submit your application online in either Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) format online to Recruitment@LXML.LA.  All applications will close 16^th February 2021.

Lao Nationals who meet requirements for this position are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

Phonsinuan Village, P.O. Box 4486, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel:  +856 21 268 200

 Nalao Village, Kaisone District, Savannakhet Tel:  +856 41 212686